A Topeka woman has been placed on probation for her role in attempting to aid a man who shot three people outside a Lawrence nightclub.

Sonda Washington, 33, must obey the law and meet other requirements during a year on probation to avoid serving a year in prison, according to a sentence handed down Thursday by Douglas County District Judge Paula Martin.

On the night of Feb. 10, Washington was in the car that left with gunman Carlos Jackson, who had shot and wounded three people following a disturbance at Last Call, 729 N.H. Jackson now is serving 15 years in prison.

Before the sentencing, Washington apologized for her actions.

"I got myself into a bind. I'm sorry about the thing that happened that night," she told the judge.

Washington's attorney, Jessica Travis, told Martin that her client had always cooperated with police investigators and that she had taken responsibility for her actions.

Travis also said that Washington was scared and had been threatened and harassed by acquaintances of Jackson since the incident.

A second woman, Sherise Spears, 20, Topeka, also was charged with attempting to aid Jackson. She has entered a diversion program. If she completes the program by obeying the law and meeting other requirements the charge could be dismissed.

Comments

plivanec (Anonymous) says: If she was in the car, and knew what was going on, she should get the same amount of time as everyone else. She didn't HAVE to be there:Better watch it there plivanec some people around here think that just because you dont pull the trigger you shouldnt be held to a tougher standard.

otto (Anonymous) says: Sh's probably got a bunch of kids that no one wants to take care of - so if they let her out at least she will be the one not taking care of them. - oh wait that won't help either. We are all screwed with people like her in society. But i'm sure the checks she cashes that we all pay for go straight to the crack dealer.Arent you making comments you know nothing about? Just because you do something once, doesnt mean you are on welfare or associate with crack dealers. Get a grip!

I'm sorry about the thing that happened that night," she told the judge.That "confession" certainly reflects her grasp of the magnitude surrounding accompanying convicted felons during shooting sprees.

Ever notice how some people are really sorry for what they did after they get caught? I wager that if the investigation had not turned up her name, she would never have taken it upon herself to contact the police.

Sh's probably got a bunch of kids that no one wants to take care of - so if they let her out at least she will be the one not taking care of them. - oh wait that won't help either. We are all screwed with people like her in society. But i'm sure the checks she cashes that we all pay for go straight to the crack dealer.